Friday, May 6, 2011

A little too much excitement

When my boys were little, they would judge the excitement of a day by how many different kinds of vehicles they saw. Together, we read books about vehicles. We sang songs about vehicles. We watched videos about vehicles. We had a Matchbox car collection so large it was practically uncontainable.

When my oldest son, Will, was four years old, he went on a special trip with my husband. They called home upon arriving at their hotel. Will's breathlessly thrilling report to me? "I rode in a van, a bus, an airplane, and a rental car ALL IN ONE DAY!" In the world of a family of boys, a day doesn't get much better than that.

But even in a family of boys, it was altogether a little too exciting for this vehicle to arrive at our house on Wednesday evening:

I snapped this photo with my phone just before I climbed in to accompany my husband to Duke Hospital. Jack's open-heart surgery is now three weeks past, and he's been doing really well. But he had a setback on Wednesday when his heart developed arrhythmia and he fainted. He hit his chest on our living room sofa when he went down--right across his incision site. Miraculously, he was not badly hurt. But he fainted again as Preston and I were helping him into our bedroom. At that point I called 911.

And that's how I got the exciting chance to ride in an ambulance.

So Jack is back in the hospital for a couple of days. Thank God, he's doing well now. Apparently some post-surgical inflammation caused the arrhythmia. They conducted a lot of tests to rule out any other problems; everything was fine. They performed a process called cardioversion to stop and re-start his heart. I'll admit that was a little scary, but now his heart in normal rhythm. His cardiologist also prescribed an anti-arrhythmic drug that he'll have to take for several weeks. He'll remain in the hospital for observation for another day or so, and then he should get to go home.

Will you join me in thanking God for protecting Jack? It's been a rough couple of days, but I am brought to my knees in gratitude in considering how much worse things could have been. I think I've had all the excitement I need for one week!

Goodness, does it never end! I hope your hubby settles down and lets you have a relaxing weekend ;-) So glad he is feeling better, what a scare for you all though. Praying everything will go smoothly from here on out. Have a beautiful Mother's Day weekend Richella. Sending love and hugs xxxx

Richella, we have never met, but you and your family have been in prayers these past few weeks. I am sorry for the unexpected and unwanted excitement this past week. I know that was scary! I am thanking and praising the Lord for His goodness and mercy, and will be praying for continued recovery for your husband,and that he will be home quickly with no more setbacks. I pray His peace and rest for you during this time. Our God is a huge God and I am glad you are leaning fully into Him.

So glad to hear that your hubby is recovering well after such a scary incident! My prayers remain with you all.

Also, I want to wish you a very blessed and joy filled Mother's Day :-) You share so much of your heart with each of us through your words and for that, I am thankful. There are many days when your posts have "just the right word" of encouragement for me. Thank you for sharing of your peace, love, and soul with us :-)

Oh Richella, I'm so sorry! That must have been terrifying, please know that prayers are being continually lifted up for Jack & the rest of your family. What amazing grace that Lord has poured out thus far over you. I pray that he continues to do so & that Jack heals quickly.

Just getting caught up, Richella, and had time to read your blog. I'm so grateful to the Lord that Jack is okay and that Preston was there to help you... I hope your Mother's Day was much less eventful. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

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Child of God, apprentice to Jesus, wife of a great guy, and mom of three wonderful sons, I'm a blessed and profoundly grateful woman. I'm also a writer and speaker, and I serve on the Ministry Team and Board of Directors of Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to Christian spiritual formation.

I love blogs for the glimpses they provide into people's lives, so my blog gives you a glimpse into my life--my home, my family, my faith. My prayer is that this blog might impart some grace to you.